Winter storm to bring rain, snow, cold to Southern California

A cold winter storm is headed toward Southern California on Tuesday night, bringing snow and wind to San Bernardino County mountain resorts, potential traffic snarls to the Grapevine, and chilly temperatures and showers to the valleys and coastline.

The low pressure system from the Gulf of Alaska should last about 24 hours, dropping snow levels to as low at 2,000 feet, said Alan Reppert, a meteorologist for AccuWeather.com.

"Most of the beaches and the valleys and Inland Empire area will be just rain," Reppert said. "There could be some thunder with this."

About a quarter-inch to a half-inch of rain is expected from the beaches to the Inland Empire. Some foothill areas might receive more, Reppert said.

High temperatures from the beaches to the valleys are expected in the 50 s, with lows dipping to around 40 degrees.

"It will be chilly Tuesday night," Reppert said.

The National Weather Service issued a "winter storm watch," warning that some mountain areas could face winds from 25 to 35 mph or even stronger - up to 75 mph - at higher elevations. Blowing snow and dense fog could reduce visibility to zero.

The snow could affect travelers on the Grapevine, as well as on Interstate 15 in the Cajon Pass.

Motorists driving through mountain areas should prepare for hazardous conditions, carry tire chains and take extra food and clothing. Drivers should check road reports before taking off, the NWS said.

The storm could be deadly for unprepared campers and hikers, the NWS said.

The highest mountain elevations should expect 6 to 12 inches of snow, including in the Interstate 5 area of the Grapevine, Reppert said.

"The Grapevine is going to be a problem," he said. "There could be some major delays or just closures."

Highs at the upper mountain elevations will dip to the 20 s and 30 s, but the windchill could make it feel like zero, Sweet said.

Mountain ski resort operators welcomed the storm. John McColly, chief marketing officer for Mountain High in Wrightwood, said a number of resorts had to shut down in December because of warm weather, but this latest storm will help February become the resort's "snowiest" month.

"We're ecstatic," McColly said. "This is going to be one of the biggest of the season. That's going to do wonders for us. That will get everything open."